Chicago Bears bought Arlington Heights track only to build next to Soldier Field?

chuckd4735

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They haven't bought it, they signed a purchase agreement most likely packed with contingencies in where they could easily back out. I would be somewhat surprised if the Bears ever play in this location; this is a move to gain leverage over the City in negotiations.
 

Rabbuk

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Pretty sure Arlington park had been planning on stopping horse racing.
 

JP4CY

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But…… why?
They haven't bought it, they signed a purchase agreement most likely packed with contingencies in where they could easily back out. I would be somewhat surprised if the Bears ever play in this location; this is a move to gain leverage over the City in negotiations.
That family for decades upon decades has wanted to move the team out there.
 
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SCNCY

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I am surprised by the bears move here as someone who grew up in the suburbs. But from that article, I am surprised that the Chicago Fire are moving back to Soldier field. Before I left for college, they were playing in Soldier field, spent some time in Naperville when their new stadium was being built, and then moved in to their new stadium. So after probably around 20 years, the Chicago Fire are moving away from their own stadium back to Solider field? Did the Fire outgrow their stadium?
 

ScottyP

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I watched that Shamrock series game last week and was reminded how awful the turf is a soldier field. The grass looks twice as long as any other NFL grass surface. Do they strategically keep it that long or is it out of necessity?
 

Drew0311

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But…… why?


Because they lose so much money at Soldier field. At the race track area they can build a casino, there own hotels, bars and resturants. Basically build their own little city and get all the money, parking, and concessions. It's really a good move for them. I am a Packers fan but I can totally understand this. It's not like Soldier Field is historic anymore.
 

JM4CY

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Because they lose so much money at Soldier field. At the race track area they can build a casino, there own hotels, bars and resturants. Basically build their own little city and get all the money, parking, and concessions. It's really a good move for them. I am a Packers fan but I can totally understand this. It's not like Soldier Field is historic anymore.
Makes sense.
 

Rabbuk

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I watched that Shamrock series game last week and was reminded how awful the turf is a soldier field. The grass looks twice as long as any other NFL grass surface. Do they strategically keep it that long or is it out of necessity?
The Chicago park district has a sweetheart deal and has always done it poorly.
 

brokenloginagain

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the bears will build an unbelievable huge new stadium (with a roof) and print money year round with a gazillion luxury suites and then host all the major events (super bowl, final fours, etc). soldier field is history, arlington heights is the future lol.
 

SCNCY

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Because they lose so much money at Soldier field. At the race track area they can build a casino, there own hotels, bars and resturants. Basically build their own little city and get all the money, parking, and concessions. It's really a good move for them. I am a Packers fan but I can totally understand this. It's not like Soldier Field is historic anymore.

To add to this, isn't the Chicago Bears the only thing the McCaskey family owns? So if they want to grow their wealth, an entertainment complex would be one way to do that.
 
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